Selective Monofunctionalization Enabled by Reaction-History-Dependent Communication in Catalytic Rotaxanes

Selective monofunctionalization of substrates with distant, yet equally reactive functional groups is difficult to achieve, as it requires the second functional group to selectively modulate its reactivity once the first functional group has reacted. We now show that mechanically interlocked catalytic rings can effectively regulate the reactivity of stoppering groups in rotaxanes over a distance of about 2 nm. Our mechanism of communication is enabled by a unique interlocked design, which effectively removes the catalytic rings from the substrates by fast dethreading as soon as the first reaction has taken place. Our method not only led to a rare example of selective monofunctionalization, but also to a “molecular if function”. Overall, the study presents a way to get distant functional groups to communicate with each other in a reaction-history-dependent manner by creating linkers that can ultimately perform logical operations at the molecular level.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Decarboxylative Functionalization of Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives

Visible‐light‐induced radical decarboxylative functionalization of carboxylic acids and their derivatives has recently received considerable attention as a novel and efficient method to create C? C and C? X bonds. Generally, this visible‐light‐promoted decarboxylation process can smoothly occur under mild reaction conditions with a broad range of substrates and an excellent functional‐group tolerance. The radical species formed from the decarboxylation step can participate in not only single photocatalytic transformations, but also dual‐catalytic cross‐coupling reactions by combining photoredox catalysis with other catalytic processes. Recent advances in this research area are discussed herein.     

A 1,3,2‐Diazaphospholene‐Catalyzed Reductive Claisen Rearrangement

1,3,2‐Diazaphospholenes (DAPs) are an emerging class of organic hydrides. In this work, we exploited them as efficient catalysts for very mild reductive Claisen rearrangements. The method is tolerant towards a wide variety of functional groups and operates at ambient temperature. Besides being enantiospecific for substrates with existing stereogenic centers, the diastereoselectivity can be switched by varying solvents and DAP catalysts. The reaction kinetics show direct rearrangements of O‐bound phospholene enolates and provide a proof‐of‐principle for catalytic enantioselective reactions.     

One‐Step Formation of “Chain‐Armor”‐Stabilized DNA Nanostructures

DNA‐based self‐assembled nanostructures are widely used to position organic and inorganic objects with nanoscale precision. A particular promising application of DNA structures is their usage as programmable carrier systems for targeted drug delivery. To provide DNA‐based templates that are robust against degradation at elevated temperatures, low ion concentrations, adverse pH conditions, and DNases, we built 6‐helix DNA tile tubes consisting of 24 oligonucleotides carrying alkyne groups on their 3′‐ends and azides on their 5′‐ends. By a mild click reaction, the two ends of selected oligonucleotides were covalently connected to form rings and interlocked DNA single strands, so‐called DNA catenanes. Strikingly, the structures stayed topologically intact in pure water and even after precipitation from EtOH. The structures even withstood a temperature of 95 °C when all of the 24 strands were chemically interlocked.     

Controlled Click‐Assembly of Well‐Defined Hetero‐Bifunctional Cubic Silsesquioxanes and Their Application in Targeted Bioimaging

A general procedure for the assembly of hetero‐bifunctional cubic silsesquioxanes with diverse functionality and a perfectly controlled distribution of functional groups on the inorganic framework has been developed. The method is based on a two‐step sequence of mono‐ and hepta‐functionalization through the ligand‐accelerated copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition of a readily available octaazido cubic silsesquioxane. The stoichiometry of the reactants and the law of binomial distribution essentially determine the selectivity of the key monofunctionalization reaction when a copper catalyst with strong donor ligands is used. The methodology has been applied to the preparation of a set of bifunctional nano‐building‐blocks with orthogonal reactivity for the controlled assembly of precisely defined hybrid nanomaterials and a fluorescent multivalent probe for application in targeted cell‐imaging. The inorganic cage provides an improved photostability to the covalently attached dye as well as a convenient framework for the 3D multivalent display of the pendant epitopes. Thus, fluorescent bioprobes based on well‐defined cubic silsesquioxanes offer interesting advantages over more conventional fully organic analogues and ill‐defined hybrid nanoparticles and promise to become powerful tools for the study of cell biology and for biomedical applications.     

A Switchable Gold Catalyst by Encapsulation in a Self‐Assembled Cage

Dinuclear gold complexes have the ability to interact with one or more substrates in a dual‐activation mode, leading to different reactivity and selectivity than their mononuclear relatives. In this contribution, this difference was used to control the catalytic properties of a gold‐based catalytic system by site‐isolation of mononuclear gold complexes by selective encapsulation. The typical dual‐activation mode is prohibited by this catalyst encapsulation, leading to typical behavior as a result of mononuclear activation. This strategy can be used as a switch (on/off) for a catalytic reaction and also permits reversible control over the product distribution during the course of a reaction.     

Selective Synthesis of Discrete Mono‐, Interlocked‐, and Borromean Ring Ensembles Based on a π‐Electron‐Deficient Ligand

Herein, we present a new synthetic approach to achieve selective supramolecular transformations and construct different interlocked metallacycles featuring a π‐electron‐deficient thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐derived ligand. We demonstrate that the formation of mono‐rings, interlocked rings ([2]catenanes) and Borromean rings can be controlled by adjusting the length of the binuclear half‐sandwich Rh^III and Ir^III building blocks. Furthermore, a concentration effect or D‐A stacking interaction between the pyrene guest and the thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐based ligand promotes a unique and reversible conversion between catenane structures and metalla‐rectangles. The synthetic results are supported by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Three‐Component Gallium(III)‐Promoted Addition of Halide Anions and Acetylenes to Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes

A new strategy for the three‐component addition of halide anions and acetylenes to donor–acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) is presented. This reaction, which occurs with high E selectivity, is promoted by gallium(III) salts and based on the 1,2‐zwitterionic reactivity of DACs. It opens up a new group of processes involving DACs. The reaction occurs readily with a broad range of substrates and is tolerant of various functional groups. This methodology makes it possible to assemble highly functionalized vinyl halides, which are very convenient building blocks in organic synthesis. A possible mechanism of this reaction and its stereochemical aspects are discussed in detail.     

Synthesis of Structurally Well‐Defined Telechelic Polymers by Organostibine‐Mediated Living Radical Polymerization: In Situ Generation of Functionalized Chain‐Transfer Agents and Selective ω‐End‐Group Transformations

Several organostibine chain‐transfer agents possessing polar functional groups have been prepared by the reactions of azo initiators and tetramethyldistibine ( 1 ). Carbon‐centered radicals thermally generated from the azo initiators were trapped by 1 to yield the corresponding organostibine chain‐transfer agents. The high yields observed in the synthesis of the chain‐transfer agents strongly suggest that distibines have excellent radicophilic reactivity. As the reactions proceeded under neutral conditions, functional groups that are incompatible with ionic conditions were incorporated into the chain‐transfer agents. The chain‐transfer agents were used in living radical polymerization to synthesize the corresponding α‐functionalized polymers. As the functional groups in the chain‐transfer agents did not interfere with the polymerization reaction, well‐controlled polymers possessing number‐average molecular weights (M_ns) predetermined by the monomer/transfer agent ratios were synthesized with low polydispersity indices (PDIs). The organostibanyl ω‐polymer ends were transformed into a number of different functional groups by radical‐coupling, radical‐addition, and oxidation reactions. Therefore, it was possible to synthesize well‐controlled telechelic polymers with the same and also with different functional groups at their α‐ and ω‐polymer ends. Distibine 1 was also found to increase PDI control in the living radical polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate (MMA) using a purified organostibine chain‐transfer agent. Well‐controlled poly(methyl methacrylate)s with M_n values ranging from 10 000 to 120 000 with low PDIs (1.05–1.15) were synthesized by the addition of a catalytic amount of 1 . The results have been attributed to the high reactivity of distibine 1 towards polymer‐end radicals, which are spontaneously deactivated to yield organostibine dormant species.     

Selective Oxidation of Alkyl‐Substituted Polyaromatics Using Ruthenium‐Ion‐Catalyzed Oxidation

Ruthenium‐ion‐catalyzed oxidation of a range of alkylated polyaromatics has been studied. 2‐Ethylnaphthalene was used as a model substrate, and oxidation can be performed in either a conventional biphasic or in a monophasic solvent system. In either case the reaction rates and product selectivity are identical. The reaction products indicate that the aromatic ring system is oxidized in preference to the alkyl chain. This analysis is possible due to the development of a quantitative NMR protocol to determine the relative amounts of aliphatic and aromatic protons. From a systematic set of substrates we show that as the length of the alkyl chain substituent on a polyaromatic increases, the proportion of products in which the chain remains attached to the aromatic system increases. Larger polyaromatic systems, based on pyrene and phenanthrene, show greater reactivity than those with fewer aromatic rings, and the alkyl chains are more stable to oxidation.     

Self‐Assembly of a Giant Molecular Solomon Link from 30 Subcomponents

The synthesis of topologically complex structures, such as links and knots, is one of the current challenges in supramolecular chemistry. The so‐called Solomon link consists of two doubly interlocked rings. Despite being a rather simple link from a topological point of view, only few molecular versions of this link have been described so far. Here, we report the quantitative synthesis of a giant molecular Solomon link from 30 subcomponents. The highly charged structure is formed by assembly of 12 cis‐blocked Pt²⁺ complexes, six Cu⁺ ions, and 12 rigid N‐donor ligands. Each of the two interlocked rings is composed of six repeating Pt(ligand) units, while the six Cu⁺ ions connect the two rings. With a molecular weight of nearly 12 kDa and a diameter of 44.2 Å, this complex is the largest non‐DNA‐based Solomon link described so far. Furthermore, it represents a molecular version of a “stick link”.     

Cerium‐Based M4L4 Tetrahedra as Molecular Flasks for Selective Reaction Prompting and Luminescent Reaction Tracing

The application of metal–organic polyhedra as “molecular flasks” has precipitated a surge of interest in the reactivity and property of molecules within well‐defined spaces. Inspired by the structures of the natural enzymatic pockets, three metal–organic neutral molecular tetrahedral, Ce‐TTS, Ce‐TNS and Ce‐TBS (H₆TTS: N′,N′′,N′′′‐nitrilotris‐4,4′,4′′‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐benzohydrazide; H₆TNS: N′,N′′,N′′′‐nitrilotris‐6,6′,6′′‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐2‐naphthohydrazide; H₆TBS: 1,3,5‐ phenyltris ‐4,4′,4′′‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide), which exhibit different size of the edges and cavities, were achieved through self‐assembly by incorporating robust amide‐containing tridentate chelating sites into the fragments of the ligands. They acted as molecular flasks to prompt the cyanosilylation of aldehydes with excellent selectivity towards the substrates size. The amide groups worked as trigger sites and catalytic driven forces to achieve efficient guest interactions, enforcing the substrates proximity within the cavity. Experiments on catalysts with the different cavity radii and substrates with the different molecular size demonstrated that the catalytic performance exhibited enzymatical catalytic mechanism and occurred in the molecular flask. These amides were also able to amplify guest‐bonding events into the measurable outputs for the detection of concentration variations of the substrates, providing the possibility for metal–organic hosts to work as smart molecular flasks for the luminescent tracing of catalytic reactions.     

Heterogeneous Sodium‐Manganese Oxide Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cleavage of 1,2‐Diols

The aerobic oxidative cleavage of 1,2‐diols using a heterogeneous catalyst only based on earth‐abundant metals manganese and sodium is reported for the first time. This reusable catalyst cleaves a variety of substrates into aldehydes or ketones with high selectivity. The reaction requires small catalytic loadings and is performed under mild conditions using ambient pressure O₂ or air as the oxidant while producing water as the only by‐product. Mechanistic investigations reveal a monodentate, two‐electron oxidative fragmentation process involving a Mn^IV species. The eco‐friendly, innocuous catalyst is compatible with a wide range of functional groups and conditions, making it highly competitive with classical reagents, such as periodic acid or lead tetraacetate, as a preferred method for activated 1,2‐diols.     

Preparations of Saturated N‐P‐N Type Secondary Phosphine Oxides and their Applications in Cross‐Coupling Reactions

A series of cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine ( 3a – 3d ) and benzene‐1,2‐diamine derivatives ( 3e – 3h ) were pre‐ pared. Followed by hydrolysis, the reaction of 3a – 3c with PCl₃ successfully led to the formation of cor‐ responding metastable saturated heteroatom‐substituted secondary phosphine oxides (HASPO 4a – 4c ), a tautomer of the saturated heteroatom‐substituted phosphinous acid (HAPA). Whereas ambient‐stable diamine‐coordinated palladium complexes were obtained, HAPA‐coordinated palladium complexes were not successfully synthesized. The molecular structures of HASPO 4c , Pd(OAc)₂(3a) , PdBr₂(3b) and Pd(OAc)₂(3c) and [Cu(NO₃)(3d)⁺][NO₃ ^? ] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. Catalysis of in‐situ Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions for aryl bromides and phenylboronic acid using diamine 3a as ancillary ligand showed that the optimized reaction condition at 60 °C is the combination of 2 mmol % 3a /3.0 mmol KOH/1.0 mL 1,4‐dioxane/1 mmol % Pd(OAc)₂. Moreover, moderate reactivity was observed when using aryl chlorides as substrates (supporting infor‐ mation). When diamine 3d was employed in Heck reaction, good tolerance of functional groups of aryl bromides were observed while using 4‐bromoanisole and styrene as substrates. The optimized condi‐ tion for Heck reaction at 100 °C is 3 mmol % 3d /3.0 mmol CsF/1.0 mL toluene/3 mmol % Pd(OAc)₂. In general, cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine derivatives exhibited better catalytic properties than those of benzene‐1,2‐diamines.     

Stereoselective Rhodium‐Catalysed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Linear Allene–Ene/Yne–Allene Substrates: Reactivity and Theoretical Mechanistic Studies

Allene–ene–allene ( 2 and 5 ) and allene–yne–allene ( 3 and 7 ) N‐tosyl and O‐linked substrates were satisfactorily synthesised. The [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction catalysed by the Wilkinson catalyst [RhCl(PPh₃)₃] was evaluated. Substrates 2 and 5 , which bear a double bond in the central position, gave a tricyclic structure in a reaction in which four contiguous stereogenic centres were formed as a single diastereomer. The reaction of substrates 3 and 7 , which bear a triple bond in the central position, gave a tricyclic structure with a cyclohexenic ring core, again in a diastereoselective manner. All cycloadducts were formed by a regioselective reaction of the inner allene double bond and, therefore, feature an exocyclic diene motif. A Diels–Alder reaction on N‐tosyl linked cycloadducts 8 and 10 allowed pentacyclic scaffolds to be diastereoselectively constructed. The reactivity of the allenes on [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions was studied for the first time by density functional theory calculations. This mechanistic study rationalizes the order in which the unsaturations take part in the catalytic cycle, the reactivity of the two double bonds of the allene towards the [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction, and the diastereoselectivity of the reaction.     

General Cyclopropane Assembly by Enantioselective Transfer of a Redox‐Active Carbene to Aliphatic Olefins

Asymmetric cyclopropane synthesis currently requires bespoke strategies, methods, substrates, and reagents, even when targeting similar compounds. This approach slows down discovery and limits available chemical space. Introduced herein is a practical and versatile diazocompound and its performance in the first unified asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclopropanes. The redox‐active leaving group in this reagent enhances the reactivity and selectivity of geminal carbene transfer. This effect allowed the asymmetric cyclopropanation of various olefins, including unfunctionalized aliphatic alkenes, that enables the three‐step total synthesis of (?)‐dictyopterene A. This unified synthetic approach delivers high enantioselectivities that are independent of the stereoelectronic properties of the functional groups transferred. Our results demonstrate that orthogonally differentiated diazocompounds are viable and advantageous equivalents of single‐carbon chirons.     

Heck and oxidative boron Heck reactions employing Pd(II) supported amphiphilized polyethyleneimine‐functionalized MCM‐41 (MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd) as an efficient and recyclable nanocatalyst

A novel nanocatalyst was developed based on covalent surface functionalization of MCM‐41 with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using [3‐(2,3‐Epoxypropoxy)propyl] trimethoxysilane (EPO) as a cross‐linker. Amine functional groups on the surface of MCM‐41 were then conjugated with iodododecane to render an amphiphilic property to the catalyst. Palladium (II) was finally immobilized onto the MCM‐41@PEI‐dodecane and the resulted MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd nanocatalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, TEM, ICP‐AES and XPS. Our designed nanocatalyst with a distinguished core‐shell structure and Pd²⁺ ions as catalytic centers was explored as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Heck and oxidative boron Heck coupling reactions. In Heck coupling reaction, the catalytic activity of MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd in the presence of triethylamine as base led to very high yields and selectivity. Meanwhile, the MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd as the first semi‐heterogeneous palladium catalyst was examined in the C‐4 regioselective arylation of coumarin via the direct C‐H activation and the moderate to excellent yields were obtained toward different functional groups. Leaching test indicated the high stability of palladium on the surface of MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd as it could be recycled for several runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity.     

Manganese‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Unactivated Alkenes

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed hydroarylation of unactivated alkenes with strategic use of remote coordinating functional groups has received significant attention recently to address the issues of both low reactivity and poor selectivity. The bidentate 8‐aminoquinoline amide group is the most successfully adopted in unactivated alkenes for Pd and Ni catalysis. We describe the first manganese‐catalyzed hydroarylation of unactivated alkenes bearing diverse simple functionalities with arylboronic acids. A series of δ‐ and γ‐arylated amides, ketones, pyridines, and amines was accessed with excellent regioselectivity and in high yields. Hydroalkenylation of unactivated alkenes was also shown to be applicable under this manganese‐catalysis regime. The method features earth‐abundant manganese catalysis, easily available substrates, broad functional‐group tolerance, and excellent regioselective control.     

An Iodine‐Catalyzed Hofmann–Löffler Reaction

Iodine reagents have been identified as economically and ecologically benign alternatives to transition metals, although their application as molecular catalysts in challenging C? H oxidation reactions has remained elusive. An attractive iodine oxidation catalysis is now shown to promote the convenient conversion of carbon–hydrogen bonds into carbon–nitrogen bonds with unprecedented complete selectivity. The reaction proceeds by two interlocked catalytic cycles comprising a radical chain reaction, which is initiated by visible light as energy source. This unorthodox synthetic strategy for the direct oxidative amination of alkyl groups has no biosynthetic precedence and provides an efficient and straightforward access to a general class of saturated nitrogenated heterocycles.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Selective CH Deuteration of Arenes: Evidence for Superior Reactivity of Weakly Coordinated Palladacycles

We disclose a protocol for the palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐selective C? H deuteration of arenes. Phenylacetic acids and benzoic acids are suitable substrates for this reaction. This reaction offers a catalytic route to ortho‐deuterated phenylacetic acids and benzoic acids and demonstrates the sharp difference in reactivity of palladacycle intermediates held together by weak and strong coordination.